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Book Description

History reveals how civilisations can be decimated by changes in climate. More recently modern methods of warfare have exposed the vulnerability of the artefacts of civilisation. Bringing together a range of subjects - from science, energy and sustainability to aesthetics theory and civilization theory - this book uniquely deals with climate change and the ensuing catastrophes in relation to cultural factors, urbanism and architecture. It links the evolution of civilisation, with special emphasis on the dynamics of beauty as displayed in architecture and urbanism, to climate change. It then considers both the historic and predicted impacts of climate change and the threat it poses to the continued viability of human civilisation when survival is the top priority.

This book gives students, researchers and professionals in architecture and sustainable design as well as anyone interested in the threat of global warming to civilisation, new insights as to what could be lost if action is not taken at a global level.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Bridging the Cultural Divide 1. Goldilocks 2. The Evolution of Civilisation 3. The Dynamics of Climate Change 4. Climate and the Price of Progress 5. Predictions for the UK 6. The Race Against Time 7. From Climate to Civilisation and the Principle of Harmony 8. Beyond the Maths 9. The energy Dilemma 10. Green Technologies - a sample 11. Access to Clean Energy 12. Carbon Dioxide Uncertainties 13. Nuclear Developments and Complementary Technologies 14. Essential Services Provided by Nature 15. China, on the Ascent 16. The Four Degrees Scenario

Author(s)

Biography

Peter F. Smith is Honorary Professor in Sustainable Energy, University of Nottingham, and Emeritus Professor and former Head of the School of Architecture, Leeds Metropolitan University. He was Vice President of The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and chairman of the RIBA Environment and Energy Committee.